#I Stand With India

The ‘Not in My Name’ campaigners, who had held a nationwide protest against mob lynching on June 28, held the protests in Gujarat & Delhi yesterday. Around 600 people participated in the rally organised by Gujarat Jan Andolan at Ahmedabad yesterday. Though the Gujarat Police had denied permission for using public speakers at the event, hundreds of people gathered at Ahmedabad’s Jhansi Rani Circle to protest against mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism.

Background

The people who were attacked were on a pilgrimage called the Amarnath Yatra. The Amarnath cave, in J&K, is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. Sitting at 12,756 ft. height, it is only during the summer months that it is open to pilgrims.

The area has also attracted its fair share of terrorist activities. Between 1991 and 1995, the pilgrimage was banned because of increased threats from terrorists. But in 1996, militants had vowed to not attack pilgrims going to the region.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, is one of the biggest militant outfits in South Asia. It has been linked to some of the most horrific terror attacks that have taken place on Indian soil including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.  Among its main objectives, the outfit has said that it wants to “liberate” Muslims who live in India-occupied Kashmir. While Pakistan has officially “condemned” the group, reports have noted that the country is the base for the terror outfit.

Analysis

The 'Not In My Name' was first called to protest against the incidents of lynching of Muslims and Dalits by mobs across the country. Citizens had gathered at Jantar Mantar on June 29.

Another demonstration was held under the banner of 'I Stand With India', which saw protestors hold a 186-foot-long tricolour. They gathered to protest under the Indian flag and made it evident that it was not a political protest. According to the demonstrator it was a call to the youth to come out and stand for the unity of India.

Several political parties, meanwhile, organised a Candle Light March in support of pilgrims who were attacked during Amarnath Yatra. Pilgrimage has been an integral part of Indian culture and religious sentiments.

Assessment

Our assessment is that, this attack was not only on pilgrims going for the Amarnath yatra but on the entire country. It’s a good sign that the protest was more against all forms of hatred & there was a call from citizens to ensure peace and resist any kind of violence.